Roundup: News in brief

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Adam "Pacman" Jones is busy clearing away the legal problems that led to his suspension from the NFL.

His biggest challenge, however, may be proving he can control himself.

Suspended for the 2007 season, the NFL will review Jones' status after the Pro Bowl. Commissioner Roger Goodell has said actions, not words, speak loudest.

A Tennessee judge dismissed two misdemeanor charges Thursday from an incident Aug. 25, 2006, leaving only one criminal charge still pending against Jones in Georgia. But he didn't help himself by being in an Atlanta strip club Jan. 3 while the Titans were prepping for a playoff game.

An attorney who asked that Jones be arrested for allegedly punching her withdrew her request Jan. 16. Atlanta police said Thursday they will not investigate Jones without the victim's help.

2008 SEC/Big East Invitational field set

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The eight-team SEC/Big East Invitational field has been set for 2008, including games in Nashville and Cincinnati.

The Southeastern Conference will be represented by Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Mississippi and Mississippi State, ESPN Regional Television announced Thursday. Marquette, Louisville, Cincinnati and South Florida will be the Big East teams.

In Nashville, Vanderbilt will face South Florida while Marquette plays Tennessee on Dec. 16. Two days later, Mississippi State is set to play Cincinnati and Ole Miss will play Louisville in Cincinnati.

Ventura, Fognini reach quarterfinals in Vina del Mar

VINA DEL MAR, Chile -- Fabio Fognini of Italy reached his first ATP quarterfinals by beating qualifier David Marrero of Spain 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3 at the Movistar Open on Thursday.

Fognini, who had eliminated second-seeded Juan Ignacio Chela in the first round, will next meet another Spaniard, Santiago Ventura.

Ventura squandered a 5-1 lead in the third set and three match points before putting away 2007 quarterfinalist Sergio Roitman of Argentina 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Arkansas' Thomas reinstated for Florida

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Arkansas forward Charles Thomas will play Saturday against No. 20 Florida after being suspended for a game for an unspecified violation of team rules. Thomas, a senior from Jackson, Miss., has averaged 10.5 points per game this season. He missed the Razorbacks' impressive 78-58 win over Mississippi State on Wednesday night.

Gonzalez must pass a physical for the deal to be completed, a person familiar with the negotiations said Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet announced the agreement.

The contract includes $1 million in performance bonuses.

Florida also agreed to a one-year contract with infielder Dallas McPherson. A former top prospect in the Angels' system, McPherson missed the 2007 season after undergoing back surgery a year ago to remove a herniated disc.

The 40-year-old Gonzalez, who has spent most of his career in left field, likely will be Florida's fourth outfielder.

Left fielder Josh Willingham and right fielder Jeremy Hermida return as starters.

Gonzalez hit .278 with 15 home runs and 68 RBIs last season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played in 139 games but became a part-time player in the second half of the season.

He's a career .284 hitter with 346 home runs, including 57 for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001. The Marlins will be his sixth team.

McPherson will be a candidate for a starting job at third base following the departure of slugger Miguel Cabrera, who was traded to the Detroit Tigers in December.

McPherson has a .247 career average with 18 home runs in 117 games over three seasons with the Angels. He was their second-round draft pick in 2001.

"I look forward to getting Dallas into camp and having some competition over at third base," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's a left-handed hitter that has shown good offensive numbers, and he has some versatility in where he could play."

To make room on their 40-man roster, the Marlins designated left-hander Chris Seddon for assignment.

Marlins pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout in Jupiter on Feb. 18. The first full-squad workout will be Feb. 21.

AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.